Keir Starmer's former deputy, Angela Rayner, has become the focus of renewed speculation about the Labour leadership after a bid by Andy Burnham to return to Westminster was blocked. The housing secretary resigned nearly five months ago over an inadvertent stamp duty underpayment but has remained loyal, resurfacing to push workers' rights and leasehold reforms.
Rayner is known to want a return to cabinet, and Starmer has publicly welcomed the idea. Downing Street sources say they remain on good terms and view themselves as an effective team, despite residual mistrust on Rayner's part towards some of the prime minister's aides. However, a return is not imminent, as there is no cabinet vacancy and an HMRC investigation into Rayner's tax underpayment is ongoing.
Allies insist Rayner has no plans to challenge Starmer but would compete for the top job if he stepped down. She is frustrated by reports casting her as deputy to another male candidate. One senior Labour figure said: “Angela says she took the scars for Jeremy Corbyn, she took the scars for Keir Starmer, and so the next time she takes the scars it will be for herself.”
Rayner is aware she can be divisive and would base any leadership bid on a team approach, with a steady chancellor like John Healey or Pat McFadden. She is considering a policy shift, not just a change at the top. A potential hurdle is her partner, Sam Tarry, a former MP who was deselected in a process he blames on Wes Streeting, highlighting deep internal divisions.
Rayner would hope for support from the revived soft-left Tribune caucus, particularly among female MPs. The extent of her base is unknown, but if someone like Streeting sought a coronation, they would face a battle.
